AAJA: Asian American Journalists Association


Special Awards

AAJA Announces Winners for 2011 Special Awards

San Francisco, CA (July 6, 2011) - Each year the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) announces its top awards for the year recognizing excellence in Journalism in the following categories: Lifetime Achievement, Leadership in Diversity, and Special Recognition. These awards will be presented on Saturday, August 13, 2011 at its 22nd Annual National Convention Gala Scholarship and Awards Banquet in the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. Tickets are free to convention registrants and will be sold on-site (based on availability) at the convention registration kiosk and on the night of the event for non-registrants. The following are this year's recipients:

Lifetime Achievement Award
Nick Ut, photojournalist, Associated Press
Established in 1989, the Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an individual who has demonstrated courage and commitment to the principles of journalism over the course of a life's work. The recipient's achievements in the field of journalism and in the furtherance of AAJA's goals have stood the test of time. It is the highest award AAJA can give to an individual. This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated courage and commitment to the principles of journalism over the course of a life's work, as well as dedication to issues important to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

Leadership in Diversity Award
Simon K.C. Li, editor and leadership consultant and vice chairman of the board, International Press Institute (IPI)
This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated courage and commitment to the principles of journalism over the course of a life's work, as well as dedication to issues important to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

Special Recognition Award
Frank Blethen, publisher, The Seattle Times; president, Blethen Corporation
The Special Recognition Award, established in 1989, honors a person (Asian or non-Asian, journalist or non-journalist) who has helped to advance the goals of AAJA.